People of Play has officially opened registration for the 21st annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) International Championship. Until Oct. 25, kids ages 6-18 can submit their original toy or game concept online for a chance to win prizes and potentially have their design published.
The competition aims to inspire the next great generation of toymakers, encouraging young innovators around the world to think creatively, explore curiously, and chase their dreams with confidence. Past participants span multiple countries and continents, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, Guyana, Mexico, Spain, and the U.K., and more than a dozen winners have seen their ideas manufactured and sold on shelves at local toy stores and mass retailers like Target.
One junior and one senior will take home the crown in each category, including Best Pitch, Most Innovative, Most Engaging, Most Original, Most Marketable, and Best Potential. The winners will be announced live Nov. 7 during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), but participants do not need to be present to be eligible to win.
“The Young Inventor Challenge gives kids the chance to see their ideas through the eyes of the toy industry while building confidence, creativity, and presentation skills along the way,” said Ahren Hoffman, Director of the YIC, People of Play. “Every year, we’re amazed by the originality and imagination these young inventors bring to the competition. We can’t wait to see what this year’s participants dream up.”
Sponsors for the 2026 YIC International Championship include Disney, Mattel, Hasbro, Crazy Aaron’s, Toys “R” Us, Eastar Board Game Manufacturing, and Revenew Sales, in addition to year-round individual contributions.
To register for this year’s challenge, visit chitag.com/yic until Oct. 25.
